So, so hot. Hottest day of year so far.
Warnings galore, don't go out in the midday sun.
But, we can't leave a gap in our walking itinerary. It's just not done !
So the route is shortened, changed to accommodate this killer heat, bit like evolution really.
Off down the usual track to the no name pudding stone with benchmark to the iconic old packhorse bridge of Hisley.
Following the right hand turn to Lower Hisley farm, apparently up for sale with 41 acres for £1,250,000.
Bargain if you have the money for modernisation!
It has quite a history.
Through the farm barns and upwards through Hisley woods past the dramatic Gradnor Rocks half hidden in the trees. T'was here we saw a tiny shrew, a first for us I think. 2inches long, not a rodent but more closely related to moles and hedgehogs.
Well fancy that !
On, on to the delightful path leading to Pethybridge or locally known as Heavens Gate. Time for hydrating drinks as an enormous aircraft (Hercules says Charlie) roared overhead at treetop height. Damn frightening, shouldn't be allowed !!
We saw the biggest oil beetle ever seen 2inches long 3/4 inch wide. A real Big Daddy!
I was so excited as I took a photo that I didn't press the button properly so unfortunately no fab photo.
Raz watched another devouring a buttercup, fascinating !
Took the track down to the Clam Bridge, was it still there or destroyed by the storms.
It was still there a bit bashed and bruised but still surviving, I do hope "they" can "mend" it.
Decision to follow the river was tricky but interesting . Lunch stop perched on a convenient fallen tree watching birds, insects and very striking iridescent blue butterflies.
Moving on, back to the pudding stone and the long trek uphill back to the cars.
That nearly finished me off.
Never mind, we did it !
Most people would have stayed at home.
Brenda